Generally, I think most people will agree that you want at least a .243 or .270 for deer. Plenty have been taken with a 30-30 and that is certainly an effective caliber. Loaded light, a 30-06 is a great deer round. As is a 7mm Rem Mag (that's what I use). I have known a few hunters who use a 300 Win Mag, but that's getting to be a bit much in my opinion. Anything bigger or faster than that is going to be too much.

david,
Are you trying to play us? 45-70 doesn't decimate a deer and a .17 is illegal anywhere.

David, I have been hunting for many years, I have always used a 243. If you place your shot. They drop where they stand! Good Hunting!

Isn't the .17 just a supped up .22? Isn't that a little light for deer?

A lot of you need to read who is posting these questions before you answer them.

This child is a nuisance and does not warrant a reaction from the forum. He craves attention and is pathetic.

Anything between a .243 to a .308 will fill the bill.